Women have played an essential role in different fields. They have greatly contributed throughout history and contemporary society. To highlight their achievements, each March is declared as a Women's History Month. In Area IV, Women's History Month was celebrated on March 28 at the Camp Henry Theater.
"During Women's History Month, we take time to honor the significant contributions of women past and present. And look forward to future advances, especially in the military and STEM," said Terri Kaltenbacher, United States Army Garrison Daegu public affairs officer.
The celebration of the Women's History Month honors trailblazing women who have paved the way for future generations. Soldiers kicked off the Women's History Month celebration by presenting inspiring stories of some of these trailblazing females.
The keynote speaker was United States Army Reserve Maj. Lisa Jaster, who is a 38-year-old engineer and mother of two children, and she was the third of five women to graduate United States Army Ranger School. Ranger School is known as one of the most difficult combat training courses in the world.
"I went to the Ranger School because I wanted to do it,"said Jaster. "My hash tag is 'delete the adjective'. Some women can't finish the course, but some men can't either. I just want to delete the adjective, because I don't want to be a good female Soldier. I just want to be a Soldier. Delete the adjective. So I think Ranger School was one of my opportunities to prove that I'm a good Soldier."
"I think the event overall was really put together well, and I enjoyed the speech about the different women and how they are paving the way," said Sgt. Brandy Smith, 19th ESC. "Also the speech of Major Jaster was really motivational and inspired me. I was so impressed that no matter what people said otherwise, she achieved what she wanted to do."
In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated and declared the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week. Since then, 14 states designated March as Women's History Month. This movement compelled Congress to declare the entire month of March as National Women's History Month in 1987. U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women's History Month.
"Historically speaking, women have tended to be sidelined and ignored for their accomplishments. The time has come to highlight them in history and to inform and educate people on what those contributions are," said Kaltenbacher. "We've had women serving honorably in our armed forces from Molly Pitcher, during the Revolutionary War, and onwards, working to strengthen our entire military team."
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